2015 Annual Report
“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake.
Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and
sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told
them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to
sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds
came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where
they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they
had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched;
and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell
among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other
seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’”
Matthew 13:1-9
CONTENTS
Report of the Moderator
Mission Statement
Service to the Church Beyond Third Church
Report of the Clerk of Session
Report of the Treasurer
Personnel Committee
Nominating Committee
Joint Budget/Finance Committee
Stewardship Committee
Board of Trustees
Christian Education
3
4
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19-25
Children's Ministry Committee
Youth Ministry Committee
Adult Spiritual Formation
Worship, Music and Arts Committee
Congregational Fellowship Committee
Membership and Evangelism Committee
More Light Committee
Board of Deacons
Outreach Committee
Overview of Third Church Outreach Programs
Highlights
Team Reports: Anti-Gun Violence Advocacy Team, Bread for the World, Peacemaking Mission Team
Education: Tutoring at East High School, Tutoring at Nathaniel Rochester School #3, Tutoring at School #35
The Corner Place, Vacation Bible School 2015: "Growing God's Garden", UPT Education/School Support Team
Hunger Team: Dining Room Ministry, Food Cupboard, Christmas Basket Project
Tops Cards for Rochester Emergency Action Committee for the Homeless (REACH) Cameron Community Ministries
East Avenue Grocery Run
Pastor's Emergency Fund
Homelessness: Habitat@Third (H@T), Katrina Recovery, RAIHN@Third, Kenya
Outreach Website and Blog
Special Offerings
Great Schools for All (GS4A)
Outreach Contributions and Expenditures
Income and Expenses
All Funds Balance Sheet
2016 Budget
26
27
28
29
30
THIRD CHURCH STAFF
(Persons listed below served during some portion of 2015)
(2001) John Wilkinson
(2008) Martha C. Langford
(2013) Lynette K. Sparks
(2001) Rebecca D’Angelo-Veitch
(2007) Jane S. Carden
(1991) Peter A. DuBois
(2014) Mary Ann Rutkowski
(2014) Caroline Robinson
(1962) William W. Young (deceased 4/7/2015)
(1998) Roderic P. Frohman
(2015) Ernest F. Krug
(1993) Carol D. Foster
(2007) Lisa Cramer
(1999) Cindy Mark
(1988) Elizabeth T. Williams
(2006) John Pilato
(1999) Joey Becerril
(2014) Al Frieson (until March)
(2015) Scott Berthold (beginning March)
Page 2
Pastor
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care
Associate Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism
Coordinator of Children’s Ministry and Congregational Life
Youth Ministry Coordinator
Director of Music/Organist
Associate Director of Music
Assistant Organist
Pastor Emeritus
Pastor Emeritus
Parish Associate
Church Business Administrator
Assistant to Church Business Administrator
Office Administrator/Volunteer Coordinator
Pastoral Administrator
Lead Sexton
Sexton
Sexton
Sexton
Third Church Annual Report
Report of the Moderator
Dear Friends,
Having known of Third Presbyterian
Church before I came to Rochester,
including knowing two of my
predecessors and the children of a
third, I first encountered Third
Church in real life and real time 15
years ago. That seems hard to
believe.
seeds grow, mysteriously and
miraculously. And we are grateful,
and we are in awe.
Highlights of the year past, with
details galore in the pages that
follow…

But I can say that the seeds planted
then of my call to serve with you all 
continue to blossom and flourish.
What attracted me to you keeps me
coming back: thoughtful and
engaging worship that seeks to

represent the best of our tradition
but that is not bound by it; outreach
that cares deeply for justice and
compassion in our city and beyond;
programs that engage the spirit of

all ages and stages in ways that are
creative and nurturing.
So the things that drew me here

keep me coming back, and my
hunch is that something like the
same is true for you as well.
Congregations have personalities,
and something about the
personality, or more so, the spirit, of
this place has connected with your

spirit. For that I am grateful.
To use the seed metaphor, however,
is to indicate that our spirit is not a
static thing. We grow and evolve, as
we should. Third Church has been in
existence since 1827, and we look
very different today than we did 189
years ago, let alone 15 years ago, or
even 5 years ago. We evolve and
change, as we rightly should. To
stay in one place, really, means that
we are going backward. To move
ahead thoughtfully and creatively
means that we use our past as a
springboard.
That is why the seed metaphor is so
important to me. We plant seeds,
but we do not let them go. We care
for the soil in which they are
planted. We water. We provide
sunlight. We weed as needed. And
Third Church Annual Report

We called Lynette Sparks as
Associate Pastor and had a great
installation service in the fall.
We said goodbye to Beth
Williams, whose more than 27
years of service were
outstanding in so many ways.
Presbyterianism and Protestantism
and American Christianity, the 21st
century. Lots of gardens and
cultures and contexts in which our
seed is planted and seeks to bloom
and grow.
We had a meaningful and
significant trip to Kenya to be
All we can do is seek to grow in our
with our partners in the Kihumo time, to be fed by all that has gone
parish in Nairobi.
before us and to live with hope for
what is to come.
Our work on public education
Faithfully,
through Great Schools for All
grew and evolved.
Our marketing effort in Lent,
based on six words, was
creative and engaging. Do you
remember them? (Spiritual,
Thoughtful, Engaged, Artistic,
Compassionate, Inclusive)
The East Avenue Grocery Run
attracted a record number of
participants and dollars to feed
our hungry neighbors.
And many, many more.
Read these pages and take it all in,
sensing gratitude for growth that
has happened and challenges where
cultivation would make a difference.
One of those challenging areas, of
course, is our financial life. You have
received a “second mile” letter
seeking deepened financial support
so that we can support our mission
and ministry. Thank you for your
response.
Given the theme of seeds, I often
think of Third Church as a flower in
a garden. Actually there are many
gardens – Rochester, the northeast,
Page 3
Mission and Ministry Statement
Third Presbyterian Church of
Rochester, New York, founded in
1827, is a large, growing metropolitan
church. Our congregation has a
tradition of leadership on religious,
social and moral issues, both in the
community and in the wider church.
Members belong to this congregation
because of its tradition and vision.
We are a spiritually and socially active
church. The church clergy and
members have supported a heritage
of ordination for women, civil rights
and advocate for full inclusion. The
church focuses on work to alleviate
problems of hunger, housing, public
education, poverty and violence.
We have cultivated our environment
where ministers, program staff, elders
and the broader congregation serve
together in collegiality. Within our
large congregation, small groups are
an important and growing element
where members connect in significant
ways to share Christian faith. We
empower both staff and members to
provide sustenance in times of
spiritual need. Several years ago, the
church adopted the theme “Seeking
the Light” to express our focus
through worship, fellowship,
education and outreach.
Third Church has a tradition of
creative leadership on religious, social
and moral issues in the community
and in the Presbyterian Church.
At the same time the church focuses
Strong leadership and dynamic
inward to nurture, educate and
preaching are central to our
provide spiritual growth for the
congregational life. We devote one
congregation. Our faith is inspired
third of our resources to outreach
and informed through preaching,
efforts, which include Dining Room
liturgy, music and education
programs for all ages. Nurtured by the Ministry, a food pantry, the Corner
Holy Spirit, our relationship enables us Place (an urban neighborhood
outreach center), tutoring programs
to be at peace with our brothers and
in two city schools, Rochester Area
sisters and leads us to know them in
Interfaith Hospitality Network, relief
ways that uplift, console, encourage
efforts in the wake of hurricane
and support.
Katrina, and a newly-formed
partnership with a faith community in
Kenya. Third Church is involved in an
ongoing initiative to foster “smart
growth” in the Rochester
metropolitan area and we believe in
conserving our natural resources to
make earth-keeping a priority. We
share our building with the
community, providing meeting space
for over 80 organizations and support
groups.
We are committed to a strong
comprehensive Christian education
program. Mid-week programs involve
65 children. Junior and senior high
youth programs have more than 60
participants and include Sunday night
fellowship and a mission trip every
other year. On Sunday mornings,
adult faith development covers a
range of topics from Bible study to
social issues.
Music and arts are also central to our
church life and worship. There are
vocal and bell choirs for various age
groups, ranging from nursery school
children to senior citizen; as well as
musical and drama events annually for
all.
Adopted by Session,
September 2007
Service to the Church Beyond Third Church
(Presbytery of Genesee Valley unless indicated)
Debra Allyn ............................................................................................................................................................ Presbytery of Genesee Valley Board of Trustees
Debra Bishop ............................................................................................................................................................ Cameron Community Ministries Board Chair
Sarah Boyce ....................................................................................................................................................................... Cameron Community Ministries Board
Jane Carden ............................................................................................................ Presbytery of Genesee Valley Registrar for Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2016
Ralph Carter .............................................................Presbytery Council, Nominating Committee, More Light Presbyterians, Alternate to 222nd General Assembly
Roderic P. Frohman ....................................... Mission and Advocacy Committee of the Presbytery; Three Committees Collaborating Committee of the Presbytery;
................................................................................................... “Activating Your Congregation's Missional Culture” Pilot Study for the Presbytery; RAIHN Board;
................................. Board Member, Kenya Mission Network of the PC (USA); Adult Education Teacher in Presbytery Congregations; Pulpit Supply; Grocery Guy
Calvin Garber+, Jay Holmes, Jack Kraushaar, James McMillen .......................................... Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Board of Trustees, Life Members
Lorenda Gauronski ............................................................................................................................ Presbytery Triple Play Grant/Cameron Community Ministries
Dane Gordon ............................................................................................................................................... Presbytery of Genesee Valley Nominating Committee
George Gotcsik ..................................................................... Lakeside Property Administrative Commission, Presbytery Representative to Auburn Seminary Board
Vernie Grammer ....................................................................................... Presbytery of Genesee Valley Nominating Committee, Presbytery Synod Commissioner
Ann Haag...................................................................................................................... Presbytery of Genesee Valley Stewardship & Interpretation Chair, Council
Betty Iwan .................................................................................................................................................... Presbytery of Genesee Valley Committee on Ministry
Ronald Hansen .............................................................................. Presbytery of Genesee Valley Board of Trustees, People’s Ministry In Christ Ministry Committee
Cornelia Labrum ...................................................................................................................... Cameron Community Ministries, Past Board of Directors President
Maryjane Link ........................................................................................................................................................ Presbytery of Genesee Valley Board of Trustees
Susan Melech........................................................................................................................... Presbytery Stewardship Development & Interpretation Committee
James Moore .................................................................................................................................... Presbytery of Genesee Valley Permanent Judicial Commission
Jack Mould .................................................................................................................................................................. Rochester Presbyterian Home Service Board
Rose Peet ........................................................................................................................................................................... Presbytery of Genesee Valley Personnel
Donald Pryor................................................................................................................................................... Presbytery of Genesee Valley Mission and Advocacy
Karen Pryor ....................................................................................................................................... Presbytery of Genesee Valley Vision and Strategy Committee
Lincoln Spaulding ..................................................................................................................................................................... Presbytery Committee on Ministry
Beth Sieber, Rob White ........................................................................................................................................................................... That All May Freely Serve
Lynette Sparks......................................................................................................... NEXT Church, Workshop Presenter; Synod Administrative Review Committee,
.......................................................................................................................... Presbytery of Geneva, Convener; Brighton Discernment Team; CRCDS, Member,
........................................................................................ Bicentennial Committee; PC (USA) Office of Evangelism and Church Growth, New Beginnings Decision Coach
Rebecca D’Angelo-Veitch ................................................................................................................................. Presbytery of Genesee Valley Personnel Committee
Karen Walker................................................................................................................................................ Presbytery of Genesee Valley Resource and Education
John Wilkinson .................................. Presbytery Vision and Strategy Team, Covenant Network of Presbyterians, Board of Advisors; NEXT Church, Advisory Team;
.................................................................... McCormick Theological Seminary, Board of Trustees; Rochester City Schools Socioeconomic Integration Committee
+ Deceased
Page 4
Third Church Annual Report
Report of the Clerk
2015 Session Summary
During 2015, the Session met ten
times. In addition to hearing
regular reports from committees,
approving baptisms, and
receiving new members,
highlights and major actions by
Session through the year
included:
January
 Joint meeting with the
Deacons.
 Discussed the church’s
upcoming marketing plan.
February
 Joint meeting with the
Trustees.
 Approved the 2015 budget
of $1,455,543, including
reducing the endowment
draw to 6.75%.
March
 Received the annual
statistical report.
 Heard a report on the status
of the 2015 stewardship
campaign.
April
 Met with the Commissioning
Class and approved their
acceptance as members of
the church.
 Authorized the ordination
and installation of elders and
deacons on May 3.
May
 Welcomed new Elders to
Session.
 Received an educational
presentation by the More
Light committee entitled
“Toward a Better Welcome.”
June
 Elected Chris Bensch as Clerk
of Session and Jan Chisholm
as Treasurer for one-year
terms.
 Met with our liaison from
the Committee on Ministry
to discuss the process
toward issuing a call as
associate pastor to the Rev.
Lynette Sparks.
Third Church Annual Report
September
 Approved the communion
schedule for 2015-16.
October
 Heard plans for the
ordination service for Lynette
Sparks.
 Heard plans for the annual
stewardship campaign.
November
 Received a report on the
success of the East Avenue
Grocery Run.
 Endorsed naming the Rev.
Ernest Krug as parish
associate.
December
 Received a report on the
latest Kenya trip.
Third Church Membership
12/31/14
1379
12/31/15
1354
Baptisms Performed in 2015:
Frederick Charles Fischer
Nyla Belle Adsit
Autumn Barry*
Kara Prichard Dolohanty
Jacob Michael White
Calli Brook Torres
Noah Daniel Speorl
7
*Adult
New Members Received:
37
Commissioning Class
Members Received:
8
Schuyler John Crain
Celia Fox
Andrew Bruce Hutkowski
Jonathan Lutzer
Gregory Scott Monrad
Olivia Ann Rye
Tessa Vasta
Audrey Vinton
Weddings Performed in 2015: 4
Members Deceased in 2015
Robert W. Bright, January 6
Charlotte Hayford, January 11
Anne S. Young, January 19
William G. von Berg, January 26
Alice Ritter, January 28
Alan Cruikshank, February 19
+ George H. Greer, February 27
The Rev. William Young, April 7
Ellen Wilson Marple, April 18
Taylor H .Keller, April 20
C. Joseph Wright, May 6
Winona Northup, November 29, 2014
William W. Young, April 7
William Bernet Leist, May 16
+ Calvin S. Garber, June 7
+ Elizabeth H. Chase, June 8
Harry Thompson, June 12
Eleanor B. Evans, July 7
Frances P. Cruikshank, August 3
Thelma Proper, August 8
+ William B. Hale, August 20
+ Robert C. Stowell, August 30
Lucy M. White, October 2
Shirley Kessler, November 15
Edna Harter, December 1
Margaret Winters, December 22
Gertrude T. Beyer, December 24
+Elder
Gifts totaling $10,562 were given
in memory of:
Anne Steele Young
Andrew Warner (non-member)
The Rev. William W. Young
Marion Hoyt (former member)
Toni and Charlie Frame (former members)
George Greer
C. Joseph Wright
William Leist
Kenneth Donmoyer
Andrew Primerano
Calvin Garber
Elizabeth Chase
Dr. Robert Steinkraus (Dorothy DuBois’ brother)
Taylor Keller
Robert N. Williams (non-member)
Louise C. Belden (Betty Iwan’s mother)
William Hale
James Chisholm
The Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth Wilkinson
Alice Mees (non-member)
Christopher Mould
Harry Grace
Dr. Collins Carpenter
Endowment Fund deposits during 2015
totaled $508,278; included in this total
are bequests of $504,473 and special
gifts of $2,500. Bequests were received
from William Hale, Nancy Mayne, Jean
Dimond and Alice Ritter; special gifts
were received from Donald and Judith
Cumming and Bonny Claxton and John
Wilkinson.
Chris Bensch, Clerk
Page 5
Report of the Treasurer
One of my duties as treasurer is to analyze the church’s monthly operating fund financial statements, which are
prepared by Carol Foster, our Church Business Administrator. These statements show the church’s monthly and
year-to-date income and expenses, and compare them to budget estimates. My task in this report is to make the
same analysis for the year 2015.
Our main source of operating fund
income is from pledges, income
from which is credited when
pledges are actually paid. As I’ve
explained in my reports in previous
years, every year our annual
Stewardship campaign solicits
pledges from church members to
provide income for the next year’s
operating budget (gross pledges).
Unfortunately, every year a portion
of this gross pledge amount is not
paid, due to death or change in
circumstance of the pledger
(shrinkage). The amount budgeted
for current year pledges, therefore,
is a “best guess” of gross pledges
minus shrinkage (net pledges).
Our “Meals with a Meaning”
fundraiser was not held in 2015.
Since we had budgeted $8,000 in
projected income from that event,
there was a negative impact on our
operating budget.
The East Avenue Grocery Run
realized net income of nearly
$35,000, which was used to fund
hunger programs within Third
Church and other programs in the
Rochester community.
For the operating budget as a
whole, income from all sources
totaled $1,443,338, which fell short
of our budget estimate by $12,205.
$508,278, the market value of the
endowment fund as of December
31 was $4,991,677, compared to
the value of $5,012,697 at year-end
2014. We continue to be grateful
for Rusty Olson’s leadership and the
help and guidance of the
Investment Committee in the
management of our endowment
fund.
Third Church has much to be
thankful for. We are especially
blessed to have outstanding
financial management provided by
Carol Foster. Looking ahead, 2016
promises to be a year filled with
both challenges and exciting
opportunities for growth.
Jan Chisholm, Treasurer
This net pledge income is broken
down into two categories— current
year (2015) and prior year (2014).
By year end 2015, we received
$857,690 of current year pledge
income, which was nearly 4% less
than our budget goal of $889,840.
Fortunately, other income categories
fared better. We received $8,704 of
prior-year pledge income, which
was 16% higher than our budget
goal of $7,500. Income of $30,233
from contributions with no pledge
was over 50% higher than our
budget goal of $20,000. Income
from Sunday plate offering was also
better than expected—receipts of
$16,162 exceeded our budget goal
of $15,000 by nearly 7 ¾ %.
Page 6
On the expense side of the ledger,
actual expenditures totaled
$1,434,552 -- $20,991 less than
anticipated. We continue to be
grateful to all of the committees for
their continued good financial
management.
In summary, subtracting our income
deficit of $12,205 from our expense
under run of $20,991 yielded a net
surplus of $8,786. This net surplus
was used as a carryover to the 2016
operating budget.
Our endowment fund had an
investment return of 1.6% for the
fourth quarter of 2015. Following
imputed income withdrawals of
$324,697 and contributions totaling
Third Church Annual Report
Personnel Committee
The Third Church Personnel Committee seeks to provide a positive and supportive environment for the Third
Church staff. Working with John Wilkinson as Pastor, the Committee’s role is to establish and support an
appropriate and effective workforce to support the church’s ministry. To fulfill this role, the Committee develops
position descriptions, interviews candidates for open staff positions, and reviews compensation to ensure that it is
fair, and fosters professional effectiveness and growth in all staff.
To maintain strong relationships with staff members, Personnel Committee members serve as liaisons to church
employees. In March of 2015, Scott Berthold joined our Sexton staff. As of December 31, 2015, Beth Williams
retired as Pastoral Administrator to the Pastor after nearly 28 years of service. We are so grateful for her many
contributions to Third Church over those years.
Celebrations were many as Lynette Sparks was called as an Associate Pastor, following her service as Interim
Associate Pastor. Dr. Ernest F. Krug joined our Staff as Parish Associate. Dr. Krug is a physician as well as a
Presbyterian Minister and assists with pastoral care and hospital visitation. We are grateful for their presence
among us.
The Committee continued to review record retention policies, retirement plans for the non-clergy employees, and
continued revisions to the Employee Manual. In November, we set the staff paid holidays for the year 2016. In
December, we began the process of preparing the 2016 Personnel Budget. It is a pleasure to work with such a
dedicated, skilled and faithful staff at Third Church.
Linda Adams
Jan Chisholm
Fran Gotcsik
Susan Melech, Chair
Jim Moore
Rose Peet
Janet Reed
Erika Stanat
David Tennant
Pete Weishaar
John Wilkinson, Staff
Third Church Session 2016-2018
Class of 2016
Bill Coons
Michele Crain
David Gripe
Beth Sieber
Yvonne Tolliver
Peter Weishaar
Robert White
Lily Hutkowski
Emily Rachfal
Third Church Annual Report
Class of 2017
Jan Anderson
Roxanne Boyer
Mary Cowden
Tomas Klaseus
Margaret Lindsey
Kris Pochodylo
Stephanie Post
Jan Widboom
Class of 2018
Janet Davies
Jane Dickinson
Laurie Mahoney
Susan Melech
Katie Orem-Derthick
Carol Roth
Susan Vaala
Jo Whang
Page 7
Nominating Committee
The Committee on Nominations is charged with presenting a slate of nominees to serve as the new
class of officers on Session, Board of Deacons and Board of Trustees. Nominations for these offices are
solicited from the general congregation as well as members serving on committees and in other roles
of leadership. Self-nominations are encouraged so that anyone feeling a special call to serve will be
known by those selecting the slate of nominees. The committee also proposes names of three
members of the congregation to serve as at-large representatives on the Committee on Nominations.
As the work of the Committee is still in process, the slate will be presented at a later date.
We are very grateful to the officers of the Class of 2015 for the gifts of their talents and faithful service:
Retiring Elders, Class of 2016
Bill Coons
Michele Crain
David Gripe
Beth Sieber
Yvonne Tolliver
Peter Weishaar
Robert White
Lily Hutkowski*
Emily Rachfal*
*Youth Elders
Retiring Deacons, Class of 2016
Vicky Austin
Sarah Cohen
Carol Crain
Janet Curry
Miriam Gale
Sue Lednar
Laura Loggi, Co-Moderator
Fred Rich, Co Moderator
Maisie Merz*
Michael Gorman*
Retiring Trustees, Class of 2016
Paul Bishop
Mark Derthick
Sharon Klocek-Ibbotson
Michal Orem
David Tennant
*Youth Deacons
Nominating Committee Members
Fran Gotcsik, Trustee
David Gripe, Elder
Dale Maddock, At Large
Keira Mahar, At Large
Michael Orem, Trustee
Molly Perry, At Large
Kris Pochodylo, Elder
Fred Rich, Deacon
Chris Stevens, At Large
John Wilkinson, ex-officio
Joint Budget and Finance Committee
The committee prepared the 2015 budget for presentation to the Session, Trustees and eventually the
congregation. Performance of this budget was reviewed at monthly meetings.
The committee’s focus centered on new strategies both for generating income and managing costs.
Regular reports were heard from Stewardship, Property, Planned Giving and Endowment committees.
Committee Members: Carol Eisenman, Jan Chisholm, Paul Bishop, Ken Herting, Lorenda Gauronski, Otto MullerGirard, Jr., Sue Melech, Bill Coons, Bill Jones, Bob Pethick, Dale Maddock, George Gotcsik, Paul Henry, Ron
Hansen (Chair), Susan Rupp, Susan Vaala and John Wilkinson, Staff
Page 8
Third Church Annual Report
Stewardship Committee
In keeping with the church’s Sowing
theme, our theme was “We Shall
Come Rejoicing: Sowing Faithfully,
Harvesting Abundantly.” The above
logo was designed especially for us.
We continued several approaches
from last and earlier years:
 Focus testimonies in Sunday
services
 Publication of the “In Touch”
newsletter in the December
Messenger
 Small group discussions in
member homes, with
introduction by John Wilkinson
 Stewardship mailing with letter
including a dollar “ask“ and
pledge card
Third Church Annual Report



Daily Twitter tweets by Jeanne
Fisher
A monthly “Stewardship News”
column for the Messenger
Follow-up emails and phone
calls to members who pledged
last year but not yet for 2016
We also tried some new approaches:
 A poster in the lobby detailing
the most recent week’s pledge
results and a graphic depiction
of our progress of plant
growing from the seed we
sowed
 An attempt to solicit a 2015
pledge from certain members
by mailing a gift
We want to continue our approach
to make Stewardship a year-round
emphasis by continuing small group
gatherings. Thanks to all who
faithfully support Third Church with
their pledge, and specific thanks to
the Committee members listed
below for their service.
Committee members: Bill Coons,
Chair, Carol Coons, Jeanne Fisher,
Bill Jones, Sue Melech, Kathy
Schumacher, Jim Stewart, John
Wilkinson, (Staff)
Page 9
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the financial affairs involving real and personal property and
the corporate business affairs of the church. Trustees are assigned to serve on three committees of the Board,
namely the Property, Investment, and Planned Giving Committees, as well as to represent the Board on three
committees of Session, namely the Personnel, Nominating and Joint Budget and Finance Committees.
The Property Committee is charged
with monitoring the structural and
mechanical condition of, and work
performed on, church-owned property,
including the Sanctuary, Parish House,
Education Building, Chapel, and 34
Meigs Street. Trustees serving on the
Property Committee are Paul Bishop, Bill
Boller, Mark Derthick, Sandy Gianniny
and Gregg Hamberger. At-large
members include Paul Hutkowski (Chair),
Bob Merz (Vice Chair), Elmer Dustman
and Bill Pethick.
The Investment Committee is
responsible for oversight of the investing
of the church’s endowment fund. At year
-end the market value of the endowment
fund was $4,991,677. This compares
with a year-end market value of
$5,012,697 as of December 31, 2014.
The committee is chaired by Rusty Olson;
Trustee members are Gregg Hamberger
and Ken Herting, and at-large members
include Jan Chisholm, Bill Coons, George
Gotcsik, Trip Miller, Doug Phillips, Jon
Schumacher and Bob Sterrett. During
2015, bequests totaling $507,473.26
were received from the estates of Nancy
Mayne, Alice Ritter, Emily and Herbert
Gazley, Jean Dimond, James and Nancy
Mangan, and William Hale, and were
formally accepted by the Board and
recorded as assets in the Endowment
Fund. Endowment Fund gifts totaling
$2,750 were received from Bonny
Claxton and John Wilkinson, and from
Donald and Judith Cumming.
The Planned Giving Committee is
entrusted with encouraging endowment
gifts to the church and the proper
processing of bequests. During the year
2015 the Planned Giving Committee
recorded that six additional members
Class of 2016
Paul Bishop. President
Mark Derthick
Sharon Klocek-Ibbotson
Michael Orem, Secretary
David Tennant
Page 10
(individuals or couples) informed the
church office that they have named
Third Church as a beneficiary in their will
and testament documents, increasing
the total number on record to over 60.
Maryjane Link chairs this committee.
The Trustee members in 2015 were
Mike Orem and Sharon Klocek-Ibbotson.
Additionally, along with Session and atlarge members, Trustees Paul Bishop,
Carol Eisenman, Lorenda Gauronski, Ken
Herting, Bill Jones, and Otto MullerGirard, Jr. serve on the Joint Budget and
Finance Committee.
Susan Melech chairs the Personnel
Committee (joint with session); Trustees
members are Fran Gotcsik, Jim Moore
and David Tennant, and at-large
members are Linda Adams, Jan
Chisholm, Rose Peet, Janet Reed and
Peter Weishaar.
Mike Orem and Fran Gotcsik are Trustee
representatives to the Nominating
Committee.
In 2015 the Trustees gave special
attention to several projects.

Projects undertaken by the Property
Committee included refinishing of
the entrance doors to Meigs Street,
repairing the slate roof on the
Meigs Street gable of the sanctuary,
repairing the leaded glass windows
in several places on the first floor of
the building, emergency repairs to
the skylight in the Columbarium, air
venting (for sun exposure
protection) of the storm window
covering the stained glass window
over the chancel of the chapel, and
painting projects (with the Men’s
Group) in the education building.
The Property Committee also
Class of 2017
Bill Boller
Carol Eisenman
Lorenda Gauronski
Ken Herting, Vice President
Otto Muller-Girard, Jr.
reviewed a long term maintenance
program for the stained glass
windows throughout the Church
and Chapel, and added several
repair and maintenance projects to
the existing list of projects to be
initiated and completed.

The Trustees initiated discussions of
the feasibility of implementing an
electronic payment option for
contributions and fee payments.

The Trustees and the Joint Budget
and Finance Committee initiated
steps to select and hire a certified
public accountant to conduct audits
of Third Church’s financial records
and internal controls for the years
2014 and 2015, with a goal of
completing this work in mid-2016

Trustees continued to work with the
Joint Budget and Finance
Committee to develop a structurally
balanced budget by year 2017 by
seeking increased revenue and by
the careful management of
expenditures.
Paul Bishop
Class of 2018
Sandra Gianniny
Fran Gotcsik
Gregg Hamberger
William Jones
James Moore
Third Church Annual Report
Children’s Ministry Committee
The Children’s Ministry Committee’s mission is three-fold: 1) to support the Sunday School program, 2) to
support the Qabats program and 3) to provide periodic special events for the families of the congregation.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS (for all
or part of 2015): Shannan Monrad,
Kirsten Elting, Jan and Ron Roach,
Robert Veitch, Andrew Elder, Kathy
Oehling, Mary Ellen Knickerbocker, Lori
After many years of holding a Church
Gilley, Sean and Patty Singh, Tim Allyn,
School Chapel for the Sunday School
Tori Brugger, Christie Lutzer, Darcy
children three times a year, we have
Ormaechea, Jennifer Schafrath, Matt
decided to try something new! Based on
and Stephanie Althouse, Sarah Boyce,
the successful role out of the Worship
Sean Ossont, and Stephanie Post.
Table under the Meigs St. balcony for
QABATS, our Wednesday evening,
summer worship times and then
intergenerational, Christian-based
extending it to holidays, we have tried,
cooperative program for first through
on an exploratory basis, to rotate one
sixth graders, continues to engage
classroom at a time into worship in the
about 40 children in music, dinner, faith
Sanctuary at the Worship Table. There
exploration and fellowship. We continue
are grade level appropriate materials for
with the workshop rotation model. We
the children to learn how to “be” in
will be brainstorming new models for
worship. Our hope is that by the time
they leave Sunday School after 6th grade, the 2016/17 program year to freshen
they will be well prepared to attend and the program.
participate in worship. Our 5th and 6th
Our Fall 2015 theme in Qabats was
grade classes “graduate” to sitting in the
centered around the children’s
Arnold Park balcony with their teachers.
involvement in the musical to be
Their worship materials are designed, by
presented in April, “Once Upon A
Becky, to encourage them to engage in
Parable.” They have been exploring the
understanding our worship service.
parables to be portrayed in the
Based on positive feedback so far we will
upcoming musical. Because of the
be extending this practice for the
musical this will be a shortened year of
remainder of this school year.
programming. We also continued an
extremely popular “Bring a friend night”
Children’s mission projects this year
where many children brought friends
included receiving fish banks for One
from their schools and neighborhoods
Great Hour of Sharing at Easter and
donations of school supplies on Rally Day for a night of activities planned by our
wonderful leadership team. The Qabats
for Cameron Community Ministries.
directors for all or a portion of 2015
During December of 2015 our Sunday
were: Molly Schleigh, Brian Walker and
School classes all participated in
Tim Broshears. Jeremy Peters and
donating their change for a “Coins for
Shannon Renauto served as the kitchen
Cameron” fundraiser. The money
donated was to help purchase snacks for coordinators.
the children who participate in Cameron WORSHIP: Our children continue to
Community Ministries after school
enjoy activity bags and children’s Bibles
program. In May and June of 2015 we
during morning worship. On certain
held a book donation drive. The books
communion Sundays, children are
collected, (there were 100’s of them),
invited into worship for celebration of
were sorted and delivered to the tutoring the sacrament of communion with their
programs at schools #3 and #35 and to
families. The introduction of the
the young mothers program. On May
Children’s Worship table was so well
rd
th
3 the 6 grade class held a silent
received by the congregation, we have
auction after worship in the celebration
extended its use to a rotation of the
center. The money raised was used to
Sunday School classes. This table located
purchase animals through Heifer
under the Arnold Park balcony in the
International and support some
sanctuary provided a quiet place for
Presbyterian missions through the
children to be during worship. Simple
Presbyterian Giving Catalog.
crafts, activities and books were
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
2015 was another fun and worship-filled
year for Sunday School at Third
Presbyterian Church!
provided, and the children had the
benefit of being present during worship.
Teachers and other adults help to
provide the children guidance and
assistance as needed.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Teacher brunch and recognition
Coffee Hour hosting
Mardi Gras mask table
Teacher Appreciation Sunday
Class photo shoot (with special
thanks to our photographer, Daniel
Fischer)
 Group outing along with the youth
to Rock Ventures





Kris Pochodylo
Christmas Cookie Sale
Committee Members: Dawn Ossont (through June), Jessica Taylor, Sumie Jacoby, Shannon Renauto, Jan
Widboom, Stephanie Post, Kris Pochodylo (Chair), Kirsten Elting, Becky D’Angelo-Veitch, Staff
Third Church Annual Report
Page 11
Youth Ministry
Souper Bowl of Caring
Youth collected $2160 and collected 160 pounds of
canned goods for our Souper Bowl of Caring. The
offerings received benefited Cameron and DRM and the
canned goods were donated to Third Church Food
Cupboard.
junior high group (The God Squad) meeting on the
lower level of the Education building and senior high
students continuing to meet in the youth lounge. We
are excited to have formed a Youth Council which
voted to donate our loose change offerings to
Cameron’s Coins for Cameron and to collect any
canned food items for our Food Cupboard. The Council
Fundraising
also planned our holiday party during which over 40
Our Youth families worked diligently on numerous
gifts were collected and donated to Cameron
fundraising efforts to support our Youth programming. Community Ministries at their neighborhood Christmas
Fundraisers included bake sales, the Sticky Lips dinner in Party. In addition we have created Youth Mentor
May, volunteering to sell concessions at Red Wings
Groups so the older students can mentor the younger
games during the summer months, a stock sale and
ones.
Shareholder Tea and our annual Chili Cook Off. We
extend our thanks to all the parents who volunteered
Youth-Led Worship
with these efforts and especially those who acted as
Youth Led Worship was held in November and we
leaders of these fundraising endeavors—Sue Lipari,
explored the Parable of the Sower. Special Music for the
Betsy Vinton, Mary Ellen Knickerbocker, Molly Perry,
service was composed by our own Owen Shriver!
Deb Bishop, Kerrie Merz and Laurenda Gauornski.
A YOUth group reunion was held in December.
Attendees fell right back into sharing and caring.
Youth Church School
Thanks to Sandy Gianniny, the leader of our Youth
Sunday School for many years, for her dedicated
Thanks to our many volunteers including Sarah Wisbey,
service. The Youth Committee decided to discontinue
Peg Rachfal and Pati Primerano who worked on
the program for the 2015-2016 program year. We
communications; our wonderful youth advisors: Therese
welcomed a Commissioning Class of 8 in May and
Owen, Bruce Peachey, Bill Bay, Jenny Bay, Paul Bishop,
hosted a Graduate Recognition Event in June to
Elisabeth McClure, Gretchen Young Zeh, Lauren Rye,
celebrate our 11 high school graduates.
Mary DuBois, Meaghan Held, Pati Primerano and Alice
Fishbeck; Lori Gilley who helped the Dining Room
Montreat 2015
A highlight of the year for many youth was the trip to
Ministry bake team; Jane Dickinson, our wonderful
MONTREAT in July of 2015. Twenty three students and supper captain, and to all the parents who volunteer on
seven adults journeyed to North Carolina and had a
the cooking teams! You make Sunday nights possible!
wonderful experience. August brought Camp Cory Jr.
Choir Camp and the campers reunited for Camp Cory
Michele Crain
Evening Prayer on December 6. A great meal was
shared by all (thank you Congregational Fellowship!).
Field Trips included Lasertag in April, bowling at Clover
Lanes in June, a Shed Blitz with Habitat for Humanity on
Columbus Day and a trip to Wickham Farms in
October .
Sunday Night Youth Program
The Sunday night youth program kicked off the year at
the end of September with 56 kids actively participating
in Sunday night music groups and youth groups. On
the recommendation of the Youth Implementation
Team, we have created two separate groups with the
Youth Committee: Gretchen Young-Zeh, Jane Dickinson, Ellen Rye, Sarah Wisbey (partial year), Roxanne Boyer,
Michele Crain, Chair; Jane Carden, Staff
Youth Implementation Team: Jim Pochodylo, Roxanne Boyer, David Stimson, Lauren Rye, Sue Lipari, Peg Rachfal,
Jane Carden, Staff
Page 12
Third Church Annual Report
Adult Spiritual Formation
In 2015, the committee continued its work to coordinate Spiritual Formation opportunities, including the Sunday
Seminar and Growing in the Word adult Bible study, the mid-week gathering Thursday Voices, Summer Sundays,
and Saturday retreats during Lent and Advent.
FACULTY: In 2015, our program drew on the gifts of
more than 35 individuals, including the Third Church
pastoral staff, affiliated clergy, members of the
congregation, and outside experts from organizations
like the University of Rochester, Colgate Rochester
Crozier Divinity School, the Eastman School of Music,
Roberts Wesleyan College, and many other non-profit
or government agencies. Without their generosity this
program would not have been possible.
The SUNDAY SEMINAR continued to be a wellattended offering. Organized around formative topics
in scripture, Christian foundations, Christian life,
Christian ethics, and rising issues, the presenters and
presentations included many timely issues around social
justice and our lives as Christian citizens.
Sunday Seminars included the following presentations:
 A Study of the Prologue in John's Gospel
 The Belhar Confession
 Grand Jury Secrecy in the News: Ferguson and
Staten Island
 The Challenging Road from Poverty to SelfSustainability
 Working Toward Economic Justice
 Justice and the Prophets
 The Festival of Purim Leading to Passover
 There is No Peace Without Justice
 Thinking Theologically About Equity, Poverty, and
Wealth
 Music of the Psalms
 Christianity in East Asia
 Stewardship of the Earth
 Third Church Welcoming Strategy
 Trans* Justice: What you need to know but were
too shy to ask
 At the Intersection of World Religions
 Barbara Brown Taylor on the Gospels
 How Presbyterians Interpret Scripture
 South Sudan Village Care Medical Mission
 Children's Sabbath
 The Soul of Money (book by Lynne Twist)
 The Church Triumphant: What Presbyterians
Believe about Death
 The Good Funeral
 The Practice of Mindfulness
 A Road Too Far: the Limits of Care and the Healing
Arts



Cameron Community Ministry: Vision, Program,
and Needs
Special Music: “Gloria” by Poulenc
Falling in Love with the Bible: the Nativity
(comparing the gospels)
The weekly GROWING IN THE WORD Adult Bible
study met each Sunday. Led by a team of experienced
facilitators and coordinated by Jim Stewart and Dianna
Daunton, this series, especially designed for adults, is
based on an ecumenical curriculum which explores
biblical texts assigned to be read and proclaimed in
worship on Sundays.
THURSDAY VOICES, a weekly roundtable discussion,
invited participants to explore and then discuss a
variety of short writings, sermons, scriptural texts, or
other materials. Gatherings were led by our three
pastors and readings were made available in advance
each month.
SUMMER SUNDAYS included a series of book reviews
by members and staff of Third Church. Offerings
ranged from humorous reflection on church (Does this
Church Make Me Look Fat by Rhoda Janzen) to the
biblical (Esther in Exile and Three Women of Hope by
Christianne Méroz reviewed by translator Dennis
Wienk) to the challenging (One Nation Under God: How
Corporate America Invented Christian America by Kevin
Krause).
We are privileged to work with a congregation and staff
who value education highly and seek to enhance our
individual spiritual journeys.
Committee Members: Mary Cowden (Convener), Matt Althouse, Paul McArthur, Ruth Morton, Carol Roth, Jim
Stewart, Karen Walker, Martha Langford, Staff
Third Church Annual Report
Page 13
Worship, Music and Arts
Worship is the focal point of our life as a Christian community; the mission of the WMA Committee is to support the worship
life of the congregation and to provide diverse and meaningful opportunities to integrate music and art in the faith experience.
*Ushers, acolytes, preparation of communion and organization
of communion servers, weekly sanctuary and chapel care,
Christmas decorations in the sanctuary and chapel, and
supporting the contribution to worship services by the Chancel
Choir, youth and children’s choirs, and bell choirs, as well as
special music events, are all included in the committee’s
responsibilities.
The committee thanks the preparers of the communion
elements, Randy and Sue Northrup, Michael Orem, Elizabeth
Woodard, Renee-Clark Peters and Jeremy Peters; and Jo
Whang, who oversees the communion servers. Thirty-six
ordained elders and deacons serve communion in the
sanctuary and eight in the chapel. Griff Vinton, Rob White and
Jeff Weis led the team of ushers; Mary DuBois and, since
September, Cori Averill and Molly Carlson, the acolytes.
CHANCEL CHOIR
The Chancel Choir of approximately 65 members, including
six section leaders, was heard every Sunday in the chapel and
sanctuary, September through June, and is led by Peter
DuBois, Director of Music/Organist. Caroline Robinson is
Assistant Organist.
*A recording of the Service of Lessons and Carols on January
17 by WXXI-FM, led by Jeanne Fisher, was carried on dozens of
public radio stations across the U.S. and Guam, reaching an
estimated audience of nearly 100,000.
*A Service of Choral Evensong was offered by the Chancel
Choir on Sunday, May 31.
* The Chancel Choir joined with several other UPT choirs to
present a concert of African-American Spirituals at Downtown
United Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 18.
Special music presentations
*Lent – Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein – March 22
*Advent – Gloria by Francis Poulenc – December 13. The
Poulenc Gloria presentation was preceded by a talk during
Adult Spiritual Formation by David Chin of the Roberts
Wesleyan College faculty.
YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S MUSIC
Four choirs involve Third Church young people. The Carol
Choir (pre-K and Kindergarten), Glorious Voices (grades 1 &
2), and Junior Choir (grades 3 through 6) are directed by Mary
Ann Rutkowski, Associate Director of Music. The Covenant
Singers (grades 7 through 12) is directed by Peter DuBois. All
are heard in worship services throughout the year.
*The Junior Choir and Children’s Bell Choir gave a brief
concert following the 10:45 service on April 12, preceding
the Junior Choir trip to Pittsburgh April 17-19.
*The Covenant Singers and an instrumental ensemble
presented a concert version of the musical Celebrate Life
by Buryl Red and Ragan Courtney on Sunday, April 26.
* Junior Choir members entering grades 4-6 participated in the
annual Camp Cory choir retreat August 24-27,
followed by the annual Camp Cory Evening Prayer service
December 6 at Third Church, along with children from three
other local churches.
* The Carol Choir, Glorious Voices, Junior Choir and Junior
High Bells presented the Festival of the Nativity at 4:30 on
Christmas Eve.
Page 14
BELL CHOIRS
Five bell choirs contribute to worship services at Third Church:
Children’s Bell Choir (grades 4 through 6), Junior High Bells
(grades 7 and 8), and Covenant Ringers (grades 9 through
12), plus Celebration Ringers and Third Church Ringers
comprised of adults. Jeanne Fisher leads the Junior High Bells
and Mary Ann Rutkowski, the other four bell choirs.
CHAPEL CONCERTS BY CANDLELIGHT
January 22 – The Telos Trio presented a program titled
Gathering Light.
February 12 – Glenna Curren, cellist
March 19 – Keri Berger, cantorial soloist at Temple B’rith
Kodesh with members of the B’rith Kodesh choir
April 16 – Decho Ensemble
November 19 – Austin Wahl, classical guitarist
CONCERTS IN THE SANCTUARY
October 22 – Matthew Swensen, tenor, singing Schubert’s Die
Schone Mullerin
October 30 – Peter DuBois, organist, played works by
Sowerby, Franck, Alain, J.S. Bach, Widor and Reubke on the
Austin organ.
COMMUNITY CONCERTS
Third Church continues to attract performances by a number
of community musicians and arts organizations.
January 25 – If Music Be the Food (benefitting Foodlink)
February 15 – Thomas Trotter of Great Britain for the
Rochester Celebrity Organ Recital Series
March 13 – Sonic Brass and Organ, Society for Chamber
Music in Rochester, with Peter DuBois
April 19 – David Higgs, chair of the ESM organ department,
with RPO members
May 3 – Jon Nakamatsu, pianist, including Juliana Athayde,
Melissa Matson and Steven Doane of the Society for Chamber
Music
September 30 – Baroque period concert by the Society for
Chamber Music
MEIGS STREET RAMBLERS
*The Ramblers provided entertainment at the church’s Mardi
Gras pancake dinner and the Rally Day in September.
LIVING WATERS WEDNESDAYS SERVICE
*The mid-week worship service begun in October 2014
continued through 2015, taking a hiatus during the summer
months.
NEW HYMNAL
Glory to God, the new hymnal published by the Westminster
John Knox Press for the General Assembly in 2013, was
dedicated May 31. David Gripe led the committee that gave
the decision careful consideration over a period of months.
Brad Sparks coordinated distribution throughout the church
building. By making countless phone calls and trips by car, Jo
Whang carried out the dispersal of 525 copies of the previous
hymnal that had been in use since 1992.
NEW PIANO FOR THE SANCTUARY
A Model C, 7 ½ foot Steinway piano, built in 1891, was given
to the church by member Jay Holmes and is
positioned in the chancel, a generous gift to enhance our
worship and music offerings.
Third Church Annual Report
ABOUT OUR WORSHIP
Jeanne Fisher wrote nine About Our Worship articles for
The Messenger in 2015, continuing the series she began
in 2012. Jeanne has compiled twenty-eight in a printed
booklet. The WM&A committee will discuss use,
publication and sale of the booklet.
OTHER
Peter DuBois and Caroline Robinson were featured
performers during the Mid-Atlantic Regional convention
of the AGO (American Guild of Organists) at two
churches in Pittsburgh. Peter also presented a workshop
on conducting from the console at the NE Regional
convention of the AGO in New Haven. Caroline
performed at the national convention of the Organ
Historical Society and won second prize in the Quimby
Regional Competition for Young Organists at the SE
Regional convention of the AGO in Charlotte, NC.
Janet Davies
Members of the Committee: Susan Fox, Betsy Marvin, Janet Davies (Chair), Jeanne Fisher, Judy Gordon, David
Gripe, Ann Haag, Jeff Weis, Joe Wright. Joining in the fall of 2015: Jennifer Burr, Katie Orem, Emily Rachfal, Griff
Vinton and Jo Whang. Staff: Peter DuBois and Mary Ann Rutkowski.
Congregational Fellowship
Congregational Fellowship Committee activities in 2015:
The Congregational Fellowship committee has enjoyed another year of sponsoring events to strengthen the
community of faith here at Third Church. Below are some of the offerings and events hosted by our committee
this year:







Organized the Third Church traditional Mardi Gras
celebration in February. Included a pancake supper
prepared by our “Arnold Park Flippers”, the music
of the Meigs Street Ramblers, face painting, crafts,
and some “home grown” entertainment from our 
staff and members.

Provided and served lunch during the Annual

Meeting in March.

Planned an evening at Frontier Field to watch the
Red Wings in June.

In addition to the church-wide events, many of our
members gathered regularly for fellowship in
smaller groups.
Worked with the Membership and Evangelism 
Committee to plan the “Big Lunch” – where we

took the opportunity to reach out, not only to our
own members, but also to our neighbors.

Elvis to Elton (60’s & 70’s group)
Sisters in Spirit
Shawl Knitting Group
Calvin Guild
Beatles to Bon Jovi (B2B)
The Happy Bunch
Monday evening Yoga
Men’s Breakfast
Coordinated the Rally Day luncheon to celebrate  Men’s reconnection fellowship group
the beginning of the new program year.
The Congregational Fellowship Committee continues
Hosted Advent wreath-making where our members to work hard to create, cultivate, and sustain
created wreaths to use for home devotion during opportunities for the congregation to grow in
the Christmas season.
fellowship. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of
the month from September through June, with summer
Hosted the Advent spaghetti supper which
meetings when necessary. We continually look at ways
coincided with Camp Cory Evening Prayers.
to involve/connect more of our members in fellowship
activities. Please share your ideas or needs with our
committee. We always welcome new members!
Jane Dickinson
Committee Members: Jan Anderson (Chair, spring 2015), Glen Anderson, Jane Dickinson (Chair, Fall 2015), Carol
Miller, Jan Salzer, Phil Tschorke, Betsy Wheeler, Van VanZanten, Becky D’Angelo-Veitch (Staff)
Third Church Annual Report
Page 15
Membership and Evangelism
The Membership and Evangelism Committee leads the process of welcoming guests and prospective members,
guiding them through the membership process and offering continued support as they integrate into the life of
the church.
SUNDAY WELCOME
PLANS FOR 2016
Greeters continue to be an active and important part of
the welcoming process. A special thanks is extended to
committee members who serve as both ushers and
greeters. The nametags created for us by Dale Maddock
serve as a great source of identification. The Welcome
Table is a constant presence in the sanctuary, stocked
with brochures, concert schedules and welcome bags
decorated by our children.
We will deepen the ways we offer contact, care and
support to our newest members. We have established
a time line for contacting new members and we will
look at ways to schedule our Exploring Membership
Dinners so that we can accommodate as many new
members as possible. We will be exploring welcoming
practices that can be put in place for visitors during the
summer months when attendance is lighter.
CHAT (Coffee Hour at Third)
Rob White
We maintain an active presence as we participate in
CHAT on Sunday mornings, rotating hosting
responsibilities with other church committees and
ministries. We welcome new members on the Sunday
they join during the coffee hour hosted by our
committee.
PATH TO MEMBERSHIP
Committee members review the weekly lists of visitors
that are compiled by Bill Boller. Staff and volunteers
follow up with guests by email, letter or phone to
welcome them and provide connections and
information. We also invite interested visitors to learn
more about our congregation at Exploring Membership
Dinners. Those who are ready to join the congregation
as active members complete the final steps through
New Member Gatherings and by meeting with the
Session. In 2015, 37 people (including eight
commissioning class members) became new members.
THE BIG LUNCH and RALLY DAY
Once again we teamed up with the Congregational
Fellowship Committee to invite the neighborhood to
enjoy hotdogs and ice cream at the Big Lunch in June.
We distribute flyers in the surrounding neighborhoods;
invite friends and our Food Cupboard and Dining Room
Ministry guests to attend as well. During Rally Day, we
moved our membership table out to the front of the
church as we welcomed old and potential new
members alike.
Committee Members: Rob White (Chair), Robert Swensen, Pam Foye, Mike Orem, Carol Roth, Sarah Krug,
Laurie Mahoney, Lynette Sparks, Staff
Page 16
Third Church Annual Report
More Light Committee
The More Light Committee works with the goal of shaping our congregation’s welcome and inclusiveness and we
continue to work for “…the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of faith in the life,
ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA)”
The committee describes its work in terms of education, witness, fellowship, advocacy, and ecclesial change. In
2015, we were building on a year that saw marriage equality become a reality in our nation and in our
denomination. As part of our ongoing work, the More Light Committee will work to revise our congregation’s
More Light Statement to include the ways that we are now working toward healing and reconciliation within and
beyond our church, communicating the welcome of this congregation, and seeking to make our denomination
more inclusive.
Our congregation and committee members participate
in ongoing partnerships with a number of outside
organizations including:

More Light Presbyterians, which is our root
organization at the national level of the
Presbyterian Church (USA), and who we partner
with in advocacy within the denomination for
ecclesial change.

Covenant Network, with whom we also work to
advocate for ecclesial change in the Presbyterian
Church (USA)




That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS), an advocacy
organization in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
whose focus has been helping connect people to
congregations and carrying the message of
openness and welcome.
The committee also works within the congregation
through the following opportunities and events:

Direct Advocacy for Ecclesial Change in 2015,
Third Presbyterian Church More Light organized
support for the Amendment to the Presbyterian
Constitution that revised language around
marriage. This Amendment was approved in June
of 2015 by a majority of Presbyteries in the
denomination.

Fellowship Group—Happy Bunch, a recurring
opportunity to gather for lunch and conversation
hosted by the committee.

Trans* Justice Education events at Third Church
intended to raise transgender awareness with
presentations by Ben Eschelman (RIT Q-Center)
and a lunch and learn with panel discussion
including panel members from the Q-Center,
Trillium Health, Transgender Alliance of Greater
Rochester, and the Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley.
Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School,
serving as part of the CRCDS GLBT Advisory group,
which plans and hosts the “Christian Faith and
the LGTB Experience” lectures during the

seminary’s spring and fall lecture week.
Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley, taking part in the
Pride Week observances, partnering with Sage
Rochester to host a movie night during Pride Week,
participating in the Rochester Pride Parade, and
contributing to the work of the organization.
Transgender Day of Remembrance leading
prayer for trans* individuals who have been
targeted and killed and helping with the
organization of a city-wide TDOR observance.
Beth Sieber
We also have connections with Trillium Health
(formerly AIDS Care Rochester) who receive
funding from this congregation; with Empire State
Pride Agenda (ESPA) taking part in GENDA
legislation advocacy and participating in local ESPA
fundraising efforts; and with Doing the Positive
Thing as a host site for the annual World AIDS
Day Concert.
Committee Members: Beth Sieber,Chair, Karen Ann Bills, Ralph Carter, Betty Iwan, Rob Keefe, Susie Kieran, Gloria
Pleger, Miss Rickey Snowden, Lea Theuer, Rob White, and Martha Langford, Staff
Third Church Annual Report
Page 17
Board of Deacons
The Presbyterian Book of Order
describes the office of deacon: “The
office of deacon as set forth in
Scripture is one of sympathy, witness,
and service after the example of Jesus
Christ.” The Board of Deacons at Third
Presbyterian Church seeks to fulfill this
charge by providing leadership and
organization for congregational inreach and engaging in caring
ministries both in the church and
outside community. Based on a belief
that deacons strengthen each other
through fellowship and collaborative
effort, a portion of each meeting was
dedicated to time spent in small group
conversation that encouraged sharing
of parish issues, personal concerns,
and a time for prayer.
Twenty-one deacons serve Third
Church; two deacons in most of the
12 parishes and 2 youth serving as
deacons.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
CARING CONNECTIONS: Deacons
are paired with one or more
individuals who have limited ability to
actively participate in the church
activities. The connection was
developed with regular visits, phone
calls and flower deliveries. If the
individual desired home communion,
pairs of Deacons were trained and
equipped to extend home
communion using communion kits
and a communion handbook created
for this ministry.
service. Parish deacons assumed
responsibility for calls to individuals
within their parish as a way of making
contact with all members of the
parish.
PRAYER CORDON: The prayer list is
maintained by Martha Langford and
sent to all Deacons, who make up the
Prayer Cordon. Deacons hold in prayer
those individuals on the list, and
provide contact with the church by
sending notes, making phone calls
and/or visits, and—when
appropriate—organizing parish
members to deliver meals and other
support.
INVITATION TO PRAYER: Each
Sunday, a half hour of quiet reflection
and prayer was held in the chapel
between the two services. A deacon
facilitated the service through physical
setup, opening and closing the service
with prayer and being available for
intercessory prayer if requested.
SPECIAL FLOWER DELIVERY: Special
flower deliveries were done twice
during the year with lilies delivered at
Easter and poinsettias at Christmas to
Caring Connections.
GATHERING TEAS: Four gathering
teas were hosted at local senior
communities: Cloverwood, Valley
Manor, Pittsford Highlands and St.
John’s Meadows. The teas provided
opportunity for fellowship and
connection between members,
deacons, and pastors.
FLOWER DELIVERY: Each Sunday,
flowers from the worship service were
delivered to members who were ill,
hospitalized, unable to attend church,
or who were celebrating the addition
of a child to the family.
SPRING RETREAT: The May retreat
introduced new deacons to the
ministry of the board and provided
workshops for the ongoing work of
the board.
PRAYER CALLS: Each week, calls were
made to members who were lifted in
prayer at the Tuesday morning prayer
GRADUATE LUNCHEON: A luncheon
was hosted for graduating high school
seniors and their families in June,
recognizing the milestone
Class of 2016
Vicki Austin
Sarah Cohen
Carol Crain
Miriam Gale
Sue Lednar
Laura Loggi, Co-Moderator
Fred Rich, Co-Moderator
Michael Gorman*
Maisie Merz*
Class of 2017
Tim Broshears
Susan Carter
Camille Clayton
Peg Strite
Betsey Wheeler
Carl Wheeler
accomplishment of the graduates.
HERITAGE LUNCHEON: The heritage
luncheon was held in September for
senior members of the congregation.
The deacons were responsible for
organizing, setting up, helping in food
preparation, serving and cleanup.
CARE PACKAGES: Care packages were
assembled and mailed to college
freshmen during November at finals
week.
MEMORIAL RECEPTION: Memorial
receptions were hosted by the
deacons following memorial services
at Third Presbyterian Church. Deacons
arranged space in Johnston Hall, the
Cloister, or the Celebration Center
with an eye toward hospitality and
welcome, provided and served
refreshments to the gathered
mourners, and provided a ministry of
presence to the family.
PILOTING NEW PROGRAMS:
HOME for the HOLIDAYS: New this
year, Camille Clayton has taken on the
task of organizing a gathering
program for members of the church
who cannot spend the holidays with
family members due to distance or
other circumstances. Gatherings were
made up of church members invited
to gather with other church members
to spend the holidays in fellowship
with a pot luck meal for Thanksgiving
and Christmas.
Laura Loggi, Fred Rich
Co-Moderators
Class of 2018
Cindy Capps
Renee Clarke-Peters
Mary DuBois
Judy Gordon
Tina Jones
Sue Joseph
Kay Ramsay
Diana Phillips
*Youth Deacons
Page 18
Third Church Annual Report
Outreach
HIGHLIGHTS:
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







We are refining and deepening our peacemaking and advocacy efforts in order to promote justice
and bring about systemic change and foster community dialogue. We are seeking community
partners to augment the impact of our advocacy.
The inaugural Field of Dreams urban camp-out in August for 30 young men came about through a
Third Church collaboration with Rochester Police, the Rochester City School District, Monroe
County, Wegmans, and others.
We provided 21 well-qualified tutors to assist with the nascent tutor program at the new East High
School. At schools #3 and #35, over 100 tutors help over 300 city children and youth. And at School
#35, we were able to resume the Math Matters program, which provides additional math
intervention two days per week for students in grades 2-4.
The Corner Place piloted a summer enrichment program, Summer Sizzle, for students in the Upper
Monroe neighborhood.
Hunger needs in Rochester remain ever present. Over 125 Dining Room Ministry volunteers served
3,630 meals. 65 Food Cupboard volunteers served 2,495 clients with basic nutritious food items.
The Christmas basket project provided holiday meals to 78 families.
With 1252 registered participants, the East Avenue Grocery Run netted another year of recordbreaking proceeds of over $45,000 for area hunger programs.
Supported by coalition members, Habitat@Third broke ground for its seventh and eighth houses in
the JOSANA neighborhood.
2015 was the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Third Church members participated in three
trips to New Orleans to continue the ongoing recovery work.
Over 100 RAIHN@Third volunteers logged over 1,500 hours providing food, shelter, and hospitality
to homeless families.
Five people from Third Church traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to spend nine days with our partner
congregation, the Kihumo Parish, and renew our covenant with them.
TEAM REPORTS
ADVOCACY FOR JUSTICE
Anti-Gun Violence Advocacy Team
The Anti-Gun Violence Advocacy Team reconvened a gathering of interested congregation members in December
to brainstorm ways to advocate for a reduction in gun violence and to foster dialogue with gun owners to find
common ground. Third Church member David Tennant is the primary author of the New York State Bar
Association’s recent publication, Understanding the Second Amendment: Gun Regulation in America Today and
Yesterday, which can be accessed online at http://www.nysba.org/SecondAmend/. The group plans to reconvene in
early 2016.
Bread for the World
As a Bread for the World (BFW) Covenant Church, for ten years Third Church has contributed $400 annually to the
Bread for the World organization for their lobbying and research efforts to advance legislation aimed toward
reducing hunger in the nation and the world. BFW relies on churches and their members to support their lobbying
efforts by writing to members of Congress to advocate for hunger legislation. Third Church expects to support the
work of Bread for the World in 2016 by again holding an Offering of Letters advancing a particular hunger issue. For
more information or to work with Bread for the World projects, please contact Carol Coons at
carolycoons@gmail.com, or by phone at 227-5953.
Carol Coons
Third Church Annual Report
Page 19
Outreach, cont.
Peacemaking Mission Team
Mideast Peace: The Peacemaking Mission Team strives to
educate our members and the community on issues related to
Israel/Palestine through support of:
 Witness Palestine Film Series, all about "Seeing Palestine"
from a perspective often missed by the mainstream media.
The Film Series began with a community address,
"Connecting the Dots: Ferguson to Palestine". Responding to
current events, the Film Series shined a spotlight on the
Israeli Occupation and the use of military force. On a much
lighter note, the social event, Celebrate Palestine, concluded
the season with a celebration of Palestinian food, music,
dance, and culture.
 The interfaith dialogue group Faith to Faith brought Najla
Said (daughter of Palestinian philosopher, Edward Said) to
perform her well-received autobiographical play, "Palestine"
at Temple B'rith Kodesh.
 Fair trade olive oil products were sold at cost during coffee
hour to raise awareness of issues facing Palestinian farmers.
Over $840 worth of products were sold in November.
Thank you!
Restorative Justice: Kathy Sweetland, board president of Partners
in Restorative Initiatives (PIRI), helped raise awareness in her
Sunday Seminar, "There is No Peace without Justice."
Economic Justice: Ed Doherty and Ann Johnson from the
Rochester Area Community Foundation spoke at two Sunday
Seminars on the concentration of poverty in Rochester. A
brainstorming exercise led by Ed got us all thinking about things
we might do. Going forward, Peacemaking has chosen to work
on two projects. Planning is underway for both:
 Microloans and Business Mentoring: We have begun thinking
about ways Third Church can help our community by
offering microloans paired with business mentoring or
advice as needed.
 Supporting community agencies in their work: Cameron
Community Ministries has asked for help with their website
to make it a more effective tool for reaching volunteers and
donors.
Field of Dreams: The inaugural Field of Dreams urban camp-out
took place this past August. On a Friday night, 30 young men
from School 17 ages 9-12 attended a Red Wings baseball game,
ate dinner at the stadium, experienced the fireworks display up
close and personal, helped set up the tent, cots and sleeping
bags for an overnight stay. Next morning, breakfast was served
along with a healthy portion of bonding and education from
Rochester police officers, members of the state troopers and
Monroe County deputies, in addition to an adult complement of
volunteer chaperones. Wegmans Foods provided breakfast, as
well as bags of grocery items the young men could take home
to their families. It was a great success. David Tennant and Dale
Maddock were key organizers of this collaborative effort.
Plans are now underway for 2016, as well as discussions about
furthering the reach of this approach within urban Rochester.
We believe that it complements the other many fine programs
within our church community in many ways. The primary focus
remains on continuing to cement relationships with these young
men and help be part of a support system that develops youth
leaders, role models and put them on a path leading to a
successful adulthood. We feel that endeavors of this sort will
help the participants break through the barriers of poverty and
violence in our city. Successful outcomes will lead to a more
peaceful and productive community. We thank you for the
support you have given. We thank you for your encouragement.
Third Church Annual Report
Peacemaking Offering: the congregation contributed $1,691,
one quarter of which is for peacemaking by our Presbytery and
half supports the Peacemaking Program of the Presbyterian
Church (USA). The remaining “local” 25% will help with local
efforts for peacemaking.
The Peacemaking team welcomes new members and would
love to hear from you (contact: Linc Spaulding, 342-9568, or
LRSpaulding@yahoo.com).
Linc Spaulding (Chair), George Gotcsik, Ann Haag, Mary Sue Jack,
Dale Maddock, Lynette Sparks, Sue Spaulding, and Yvonne Tolliver.
EDUCATION
Tutoring at East High School
This year, in lieu of providing high school level tutors to Young
Mothers’ and Interim Health Academy, we elected to work with
the University of Rochester/East High School re-configuration.
The U of R is very interested in incorporating members of the
community into their new structure and at their request we
provided 21 well-qualified volunteers to assist with their nascent
tutor program.
Our EHS volunteers work in literacy support classrooms and with
math and science in support rooms to help students with
homework questions.
Tutoring at Nathaniel Rochester School #3
Our tutoring program at Nathaniel Rochester School #3 will
observe its 30th anniversary this year! Think of all the dedicated
volunteer tutors working all those years, and the hundreds of
city children to whom they have given a boost. Thank you
Third Church for funding two outstanding education support
programs in Rochester.
Currently we have 44 tutors on our schedule at School #3. Four
are new this year; 20 have worked in the program for five years
or longer. We work with nearly 150 students from kindergarten
to 8th grade math and sciences.
This year we improved our tutor training to include two inservices by instructional coaches on current methods of
teaching reading and math. We have also provided access for
tutors to on-line teaching material to augment the work given
to them by their students’ teachers. A group of our technical
volunteers is providing planning and support to school STEM
programs for the first time.
We have grown from 18 tutors 9 years ago at School #6, to our
current 44. I plan to retire in June of 2016 with the feeling that
the program is in a good place now and ready for new energy
and ideas. Thank you all for the support you have provided me
in every possible way for these last years that I’ve served as
coordinator.
Sue Maddock,
Tutor Coordinator for East High and School #3
Tutoring at Pinnacle School #35
Tutoring at School 35 ended the 2014-15 school year in good
shape. Our tutors continue to impress with their dedication and
caring for the students of School 35.
We received a blessing at the end of the year in the form of over
$6,500 to be used for the Math Matters Program. Most of these
funds came from donations in honor of the marriage of Van Van
Zanten and Ralph Carter. The outpouring of support for these
men was beyond anything expected and the funds should keep
the program going for two years. This program will work with
the same students in grades 2-4 for three years. They receive
Page 20
Outreach, cont.
tutoring in math twice a week for 30 minutes. Their progress is
tracked through NWEA test scores. Students that were chosen
for the program are “high tier 2” on the intervention scale,
meaning that they may receive some accommodations, but
they do not have any major learning issues holding them back.
It is our hope that with the intervention that the students will
flourish and get the needed bump up in math ability.
Don Boyd stepped down this past fall as chair of the Corner
Place steering committee, but thankfully still remains an active
member. Amy Mangieri and Melanie Jones have taken up that
role together as co-chairs.
Academy at the Corner Place, directed by Sarah Peters.
Third Church participants who volunteered with VBS included
Autumn Barry, Murie Gillett, Melanie Jones, Leah Mould, Jack
Mould, Ann McMican, Amy Mangieri, and Gloria Pleger, Hannah
Powell, and Holly Powell
A major factor affecting consistent attendance by the children is
transportation. With families working multiple jobs and/or
having an irregular job schedule, the ability for a parent/
To properly implement the Math Matters program, Jamie Stein, guardian to transport a child home is becoming increasingly
a Second Grade teacher at School 35, has been “hired” to help challenging. Our most needy families have no transportation at
with the explanation and implementation of the Common Core all. Providing a resource to accommodate this need would
Math standards. Together we oversee an additional fourteen
alleviate attendance issues. We are pursuing grants to remedy
tutors who work with students in the Math Matters Program. To this problem for upcoming terms.
date we have 48 tutors working with over 150 students at
Sarah Peters, Director, Arts Academy at the Corner Place
School 35. In December we were contacted by Lynn Donahue
Vacation Bible School 2015 – “Growing God’s Garden”
with the Service Learning Department at Saint John Fisher
Twenty-seven staff from Third Church, New Life Presbyterian,
College. They would like to partner with our program to
and South Presbyterian shared Bible stories, skits, and activities
provide an additional 4-10 students per semester to tutor
students twice a week in reading and math. This partnership has to more than 25 children in the Upper Monroe neighborhood
during VBS 2015. Kids enjoyed “Spirit Bubbles," rainbow
much to do with the excellent reputation that Third
painting, the Monroe Milers' running games, and Zumba
Presbyterian Church has for its outreach programs as the
dedication of the tutors at School 35 and the cooperation of the specials. The Corner Place shared the children’s books they
were gifted through Urban Presbyterians Together (UPT) with
faculty and staff of School 35.
the kids of VBS 2015. Together, we indeed were “filled with
Sadly I must report that Principal Fortiche had to leave her
Spirit, walked in the Spirit, and were led by the Spirit of God” as
position at 35 due to health reasons. She was replaced January
our voices sang each evening during our theme song.
1 by Brenda Santana. Principal Fortiche’s care and dedication to
So many seeds were planted! God touched our lives with love
the students is greatly missed.
Ike Neilson, Tutor Coordinator for School #35 through each other as we served and were served. Thanks be to
God for the opportunity to be a part of God’s Work (The Story
of Creation), God's Promise (Noah’s Ark), God’s Riches (The
The Corner Place
Foolish Farmer), and God's Blessing (Parable of the Sower)
We continue to grow our grant funding for teaching artist
during VBS 2015!
programming, raising $7,000 in grants this year for the Arts
We held a pilot summer program, Summer Sizzle, for summer
enrichment (twice weekly in the early evenings) for elementary
youth in Rochester, funded largely by special contributions.
Melanie Jones co-directed this grand effort. Students
participated in civic engagement, gardening, drumming,
science experiments, puppet making, and field trips (bowling,
YMCA swimming, pet shop, and an evening tour of the zoo
when it was closed to the public!). We will need to do
additional fundraising to repeat the program.
UPT Education/School Support Team
This fall at the annual Urban Presbyterians Together (UPT)
Education Evening, we honored Barb Durfee, Ann McMican and
Jack Mould for their years of service to children in the upper
Monroe Neighborhood.
We've collected and distributed to schools #3, #35 and #25, 24
We added another day of classes for our afterschool arts
grocery bags filled with:
academy to include our show choir, sponsored by the John F.
Crayons & Non-Permanent Markers
Wegman foundation. Jeannie Clinton, instructor with Allendale
Pocket Folders
Columbia, and Daniel Baer, Eastman doctoral student, are our
Pencils
show choir instructors.
Glue Sticks
Gloves & Hats
This past December, Nexxus Young Professionals held a
Coloring Books
fundraiser Charity Ball event with proceeds to benefit The
Kleenex Boxes
Corner Place. It was attended by approximately 150 people.
Hand Sanitizer
The group has informed us that this will be an annual event.
Socks & Underwear
We had two small groups of volunteers (of approximately five to
Stickers
seven students) from St. John Fisher and two volunteers from
Children's Scissors
the community with Summer Sizzle.
In addition we sent six
We've changed our after school programming from three sixweek terms to two nine-week terms. This enables us to keep the
same number of contact hours, while allowing students the
opportunity to delve deeply into their subject matter and to
avoid traveling in inclement weather in the early part of the
year.
Page 21
classrooms on field trips and
distributed 38 school uniforms. New this year was our diaper
and wipes collection. We completely filled two cars with diapers
and wipes and distributed them to Cameron Community
Ministries and the Jefferson Avenue Childhood Development
Center. We are so grateful for the generosity of UPT congregations!
Questions? Beth Laidlaw elaidlaw60@gmail.com
Beth Laidlaw
HUNGER TEAM
Third Church Annual Report
Outreach, cont.
Dining Room Ministry
Since 1991, the Dining Room Ministry has served a hot meal
each Saturday noon to any and all guests. Ten teams of ten to
twelve volunteers each, backed by planners and shoppers,
prepare and provide a meal on a rotating schedule. In 2015,
we served 3,630 meals with an average of 71 people fed each
Saturday. Our costs for the year totaled $8,317 (averaging
$2.30 per meal). We continue to experiment with new,
healthier menus with more variety and more controlled
portions. We continue to seek feedback on these menus from
our guests and team members, with the option of future
updates as needed. We continue to be grateful for the
contributions of our many volunteers. Over 125 volunteers
serve regularly on our Saturday morning teams or planned for
and purchased food. Furthermore, about 50 additional
volunteers came from church families and the community to
help out. New volunteers are always welcome.
December, 78 church families “adopted a family” by
purchasing, packing and delivering a Christmas basket on
Saturday, December 19, 2015. Donations from the entire
congregation were used to purchase Tops gift cards for each
recipient family and to underwrite expenses over $40 by
sponsoring families when needed. Contributions to this
program more than covered all the expenses and were
gratefully received. At the request of the schools, a “mitten
tree” was festooned with boys and girls T-shirts, underpants,
socks, and warm mittens gloves and scarves. The committee
welcomes new members. For more information, or to work
with the committee, please call Rose Pethick, 388-8546.
Committee members include Rose and Bill Pethick, Bill and Carol
Coons, Ned and Sally Green, Tom Gillett, Brad and Lynette
Sparks, and Marilyn Scheftic.
Tops Cards for Rochester Emergency Action Committee for
the Homeless (REACH)
Robb and Nancy Adams (889-4055) and Phil and Beth Tschorke Last year’s memory of people who are homeless no longer
being allowed to shelter in city garages or tents in a city park
(342-3558) serve as Co-Coordinators.
and their struggles to find room in existing shelters led to the
formation of REACH. Until a permanent shelter is ready next
Food Cupboard
summer, a former rectory at 80 Prince Street became available
2015 was a busy year for the Third Church Food Cupboard.
Open on 97 Monday and Thursday mornings, with an average to serve as temporary shelter this winter. As of the end of
December, thirty people without homes were living at the
attendance of 25 guests each day in 2015, a total of 2,495
guests were supplied with basic nutritious food items including shelter, and several others had been placed in more
permanent housing.
milk, fresh fruits and vegetables. Thanks to careful
management and many donations, we finished the year at
$19,496, well under our $22,000 budget. It takes about 15
volunteers each week to serve guests, stock shelves, pick up
orders at Foodlink and other stores, and manage inventory.
Thankfully there are about 65 people who share this
responsibility, including several families. Counting the many
people who bring food items to the church on Sunday, the
Food Cupboard is blessed with an abundance of caring for our
neighbors who continue to experience food insecurity. The
Cupboard is a member of Foodlink, which, itself, is a member
of Feeding America. Via Foodlink, we continue to receive
modest grants through the New York State Department of
Health and locally, through United Way. These grants help pay
for our Foodlink orders. When expended, our Outreach
Budget covers additional expenses. We are ever thankful also
for the energy and resources generated by the East Avenue
Grocery Run again in 2015.
In November Bill Ramsay, who had been in charge of
inventory and the management of the Food Cupboard site,
suffered a serious illness. Kay Ramsay has been at Bill’s side,
and is grateful for the continuing and dependable work of the
teams, resulting in a seamless operation of the
Cupboard. Thanks go especially to Ron Roach, a newer
member of the church, who has stepped up to manage the
storeroom and inventory in Bill’s absence. Many of our
volunteers have been a part of the Food Cupboard since its
founding about 20 years ago. One or two have retired or left
the area this year and we thank them for their faithful service.
New volunteers are always welcome.
For information, or to volunteer, please contact Food
Cupboard Director Kay Ramsay (544-9022), or Carol Coons
(227-5953).
Christmas Basket Project
As in previous years the Christmas Basket Project committee
worked with City Schools 35 and 3, and the Rochester
Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN) to provide a week’s
worth of food to 78 city families, two more than in 2014. In
Page 22
In addition to the Outreach Budget which supports our inchurch hunger ministries, a separate Hunger Fund has existed,
made up of donations specifically for hunger purposes. The
Outreach Hunger team decided to contribute $1,000 to
REACH to be used for food purchases. Five $100 TOPs gift
cards and ten $50 cards were delivered to the Director of the
shelter on December 30. One of the aims of the REACH group
is to find permanent housing when possible. The smaller gift
cards may be used to subsidize a person who is moving into
his or her room or apartment.
More information or opportunities to volunteer with REACH
can be obtained by calling Deacon Dan Callan at 233-1755.
Carol Coons
Cameron Community Ministries
2015 concluded the Presbytery’s Triple Play Grant program.
Throughout the year, Third Church partnered with Christ
Clarion and Laurelton Presbyterian Churches to support
Cameron Community Ministries’ hunger programs through
the “Put a Fork in Hunger” Campaign. Together, we collected
supplies and assembled summer break bags filled with
healthful foods for the Cameron kids, collaborated to prepare
and serve two Sunday celebration meals, and supported
Cameron’s Open House in October 2015. With funds from the
grant, Cameron designed an ad campaign to promote
programs and solicit new support. We are grateful for Lorenda
Gauronski’s leadership in this collaboration on behalf of Third
Church. In addition to the Triple Play Grant, Third Church’s
support of Cameron is vital.
 Several Third Church members volunteer at CCM in
various ways: in program areas such as the After School
Program, on committees, and on the Board of Directors.
Third Church volunteers include: Sarah Stout, Lily
Hutkowski, Jim Stewart, Linc Spaulding, Karen Walker,
Lorenda Gauronski, Corni Labrum, Deb Bishop, Jenny Bay,
Jan Widboom, Susan Vaala and more.
 The Outreach Committee contributes financial support to
programs.
Third Church Annual Report
Outreach, cont.




Youth and Children’s Ministry supported Cameron’s
Christmas fundraising campaign.
Cameron is one of the benefactors of the East Avenue
Grocery Run.
The Third Church Peacemaking Committee is helping
Cameron Community Ministries with their website to
make it a more effective tool for reaching volunteers and
donors.
Third Church members continue to support CCM’s
clothing house with countless donations
Cameron serves the Lyell/Otis neighborhood, one of
Rochester’s most poverty-stricken areas. The Presbyterian
Church is part of the organizations foundation. Programs
include:
 Hot Lunch Program, Monday - Saturday, 12:00-1:30pm
 Sunday Celebration, Sundays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
 After School Program, Monday - Friday, after school
 Summer Safe Haven, July and August, Monday - Friday,
A.M. and P.M. Sessions
 Kids’ Café, Monday - Friday, 6:00-6:30pm
 Produce Distribution
 Clothing House, Tuesday - Thursday, 9:30am-12:30pm
 Community Resources
 Emergency and Office Services
 Bike Referrals and Repair
Deb Bishop, Board Chair
East Avenue Grocery Run 2015
Grocery Run raises record total of $45,000 for hunger
programs
A big THANK YOU to all who ran, walked, cheered,
volunteered, sponsored and donated to make our 6th annual
Grocery Run a success. More than 1100 participants enjoyed
an unseasonably warm day on our new course along majestic
East Avenue and through the Neighborhood of the Arts. Many
generous restaurants donated a wonderful feast for our famous
after-party.
Pledges raised by runners $410 (down $1605 from 2014)
Other income $664 (down $2,074 from 2014)
Total Income $66,251 (up $10,112 from 2014)
Expenses
Costs $21,147 (down $873 from 2014)
Net Proceeds
$45,104 (up $10,086 from 2014)
Allocations
Third Church’s Hunger Program: $34,749 (up $8,790 from
2014) Other Hunger Programs: $10,355 (up $2,195 from
2014)
Ellen Rye
Pastor’s Emergency Fund
Rent assistance
$4,256
Transportation assistance
for work or medical care
$900
Assistance with gas/electric
$683
Furniture
$165
Long distance bus fare
$150
Telephone (medical issues, children)
$138
Medical/prescription co-pay
$78
Space heater
$21
TOTAL
$6,391
The Pastors’ Emergency Fund is used to help those who come
to us in financial distress. Help is given to any one person no
more than once every six months. We attempt to refer clients
to appropriate agencies for long-term help whenever possible
in chronic situations. Sadly, in 2015 we were unable to help
anyone in June, July or October due to insufficient funding,
which comes from the congregation. We receive the loose
offering on communion Sundays as well as special gifts from
individuals. We are grateful to all who have contributed
generously in 2015 and every year.
Gale Myers, PEF Administrator
This year, we enjoyed a record income of $66,251. This was
due to an increased registration fee; a record number of 1252
registrations; and a record corporate sponsorship total of
$28,950. Expenses were down slightly at $21,147.
Our net proceeds of $45,103 will cover the cost of Third
Church Dining Room Ministry and Food Cupboard, and also
provide more than $10,000 for 13 other hunger organizations,
including Foodlink, Cameron Community Ministries and
Calvary St. Andrews.
We are grateful to all who put so much love and energy into
this event and for the opportunity to share with others in our
community who need it most.
East Avenue Grocery Run
2015 Registered Participants: 1252
Third Church-Participants: 100 (down from 131 in 2014)
Income
Registrations $25,811 (up $5,000 from 2014)
Corporate Sponsorships $28,950 (up $8,000 from 2014 and
up $15,000 from 2013)
Crowdrise Fundraising $9,099 (down $1,521 from 2014)
Donations $1,317 (down $144 from 2014)
Third Church Annual Report
Page 23
Outreach, cont.
HOMELESSNESS
Habitat@Third (H@T)
Habitat@Third (H@T) broke ground for its seventh and eighth
houses in the JOSANA neighborhood since this effort began in
2008. The Harvest Home Coalition, of which Third
Presbyterian is a very active member, began work in
November 2015 at 57 Ries Street, named the “Roger Cross
House,” in memory of one of the founders of Flower City
Habitat who died in 2014. Roger was a member of West
Henrietta Baptist Church, a coalition member. The Harvest
Home Coalition last built a home in 2013. Members of that
coalition have been meeting since 2013 and use several fundraising approaches, including “Pastors as Waiters” at Henrietta
and Brockport restaurants, annual Habitat Thanksgiving pie
sales, and a concert last November featuring guitarist Miche
Fambro. Asbury First United Methodist continues to be a
generous financial partner in the Harvest Home group.
Across Ries Street, also started in November, another house is
being built because Third Presbyterian member Otto MullerGirard Sr. donated the full construction cost for this Habitat
house. Otto has been a generous Habitat volunteer, doing
cabinetry work on numerous houses for many, many years;
now a house he sponsored is being built at 60 Ries St.
H@T Steering Committee Chair Tom Gillett met with the
student Habitat Club from Pittsford Mendon High School in
October of 2015 to discuss collaborating on another house
with them. The Mendon students are advised by Third Church
member and Youth leader Bruce Peachey.
H@T’s role in these coalitions is to support coalition members,
provide a portion of the $65,000 needed for each house, and
join other coalition members in volunteering for the actual
construction of the home. There are ample opportunities for
Third Church members to volunteer on site, Tuesday through
Saturday each week. The work does not require either physical
strength or technical expertise. Volunteers can sign up by
visiting the Flower City Habitat website http://
www.rochesterhabitat.org/Volunteer.aspx.
Tom Gillett, Coordinator
Katrina Recovery
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since the devastating
flooding in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. In August
2005, our nation witnessed unbearable suffering; people losing
everything that they had and often times their only possession
of value - their home; and for some, even their lives. As a
congregation, Third Church sent volunteers in February and
May 2006 to help with the recovery. Third Church member
and Louisiana native Jean Coco spearheaded this effort that
now has formed an important part of our national outreach.
New Orleans marked the 10th Anniversary of Katrina this
August with a “Week of Sharing” with 10,000 volunteers
working in New Orleans; political
leaders, church and civic gatherings
to acknowledge the significant role
of volunteers in recovery and to pay
tribute to the lives lost. Jean Coco,
now living in Baton Rouge, LA was
able to join Third Church volunteers
working in New Orleans twice this
year.
All three Katrina trips this year were planned and organized by
RH2NO (“Rochester Help to New Orleans”) Coordinator, Sally
Page 24
Altobello of Laurelton Presbyterian Church. Sally continues to
volunteer her time and energy to recruit, plan and support
this work. In addition to the August trip with ten volunteers
primarily from Chili Presbyterian, there was an October 17th
trip with ten volunteers primarily from Caledonia
Presbyterian Church and an October 24th trip with seven
volunteers from three Rochester churches (Faith Lutheran,
Laurelton and Third Presbyterian). Third Church members
were part of all three trips and were instrumental in helping
two families finally return to their homes after waiting more
than ten years.
This work is meaningful and important. Although other
disasters have occurred since, Katrina stands out for exposing
overwhelming failures of our national conscience. New
Orleans is a cultural treasure to be valued and preserved but
significant inequities of opportunity previously unrecognized
are now clearly seen. Our rebuilding is helping the most
disenfranchised portion of the population displaced by
Katrina and it is a direct and clear challenge to changing the
status quo. With each home we help reclaim, we are saying
to a family “you are worth it”; “you matter”; “you have not
been forgotten”. And the amazing part of this work is that
the families know it. They understand that we are volunteers
that have come to help based on faith. They understand why
we have come. They understand that it is true – that “grace
will lead me home.” In this sense, Katrina rebuilding is more
than just disaster assistance and rebuilding damaged homes.
It is truly putting faith into action and feeling the result in the
arms of those we help. (See Outreach Blog “A Long Road
Home”)
Rod Taylor and Nancy Watson, Co-Coordinators
RAIHN@Third
 Third Church’s anti-homelessness
program, RAIHN@Third, completed
its 11th year of operation in 2015,
as our team hosted four rotations in
February, May, August, and
November. We provide food,
shelter and hospitality to homeless
families and their children as we
transform the third floor of the
Education building into living space.
 With over 100 volunteers strong in conjunction with
New Life Presbyterian, our volunteers logged over
1,500 hours this year, supported by Third Church’s
excellent team of sextons. About half our active
volunteers are RAIHN-trained for direct hosting
positions; the others support set-up, take-down, and
shopping and laundry activities.
 We have a need to expand our team, as support has
dwindled from New Life while some of our regular
volunteers are older and their support is more limited.
Another support congregation would be beneficial to
our overall mission.
 In 2014, we renewed our covenant to support the
RAIHN network for another three years.
With grateful thanks to our awesome volunteers:
 The larger RAIHN network continues to successfully
assist families to progress from homelessness to
independent housing. In 2015, over 27 families were
served by the entire RAIHN community, with 90% of
the ‘graduates’ remaining in a stable housing situation
one year after leaving the RAIHN program.
 Our four rotations in 2016 will be in February, May
Third Church Annual Report






(including Memorial Day), August and November.
Our leadership team continues to be committed to our
mission although we still have some transitions in work.
We have a need to bring more leaders on board and
develop a succession strategy.
Louis Loggi (Co-Coordinator)
Laurie Mahoney (Co-Coordinator and Communications)
Char Schuth / New Life Coordinator (Food & Menu
Planning)
Open…. (Food & Menu Planning)
Jim Pochodylo (Setup/Takedown)
Sue Bixler (Linen Closet and Donations)
Lorenda Gauronski (Supplies)
Beth Tschorke
Linc Spaulding
We operated close to our slightly increased 2015 budget,
due to donations of meals and supplies.
We will maintain our same budget for 2016 as we plan to
provide more amenities for our guest’s room, along with
better storage for our RAIHN supplies.
We continue to seek and receive donations from our
congregation and outside groups. When needed,
we ask for specific items and find our congregation’s
response extremely generous. This year, donations
included sheets, blankets & towels. Personal care items
are given to each guest.
We are grateful to Third’s youth staff as we continue to
lodge our families on the upper floor of the Education
Building – a wonderful, sunny space which is very well
received by our guests. Our youth have also
participated in many of our setup and take down
activities.
Please hold this date: April 30, 2016 for RAIHN’s Car
City fundraiser, where we will have the opportunity to
raise money and awareness for those who indeed are
forced to sleep in their cars. There are opportunities for
youth, families as well as sponsors to participate.
Louis Loggi & Laurie Mahoney, Co-Coordinators
KENYA
Because of this trip, a new Third Church Kenya team is being
formed with renewed energy. It will oversee our relationship –
including regular communications and the use of remaining
capital campaign funds. It will also begin to organize and plan a
return trip – from Kenya to Rochester – so that our relationship
and partnership can continue to grow.
Outreach Website and Blog:
The Third Church web site continues to be filled with
information about all the many and varied Outreach activities of
the church. We have worked hard to ensure that all information
is current, accurate, and informative. We have also worked to
make the Outreach calendar a better resource for finding out
what is happening, and when. If you haven’t been on the web
site in a while, stop by and just browse
www.thirdpresbyterian.org/service.
This was the inaugural year for the “Outreach at Third” blog –
www.outreachatthird.wordpress.com.
A blog is a more timely means of communicating the human
interest aspects of the Outreach we do. Stories about individual
experiences are shared and successes celebrated. We hope to
make this communication more robust in the coming year.
Tracy Walker
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
In addition to the outreach commitments from the Third
Church Outreach operating budget, the congregation has
responded generously by contributing to special offerings to
help those in need both locally and globally. Special offerings
received in 2015 were:
National/World
One Great Hour of Sharing
Peace and Global Witness Offering
Christmas Joy Offering
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance:
Nepal Earthquake
Southeast Coastal Flooding
Local
Presbyterian Homes Offering
Pastors’ Emergency Fund
Total Special Offerings
$4,510
$1,692
$3,090
$3,167
$ 360
$ 1,007
$7,639
$21,465
In October 2015, Becky D’Angelo-Veitch, Lynn Lambert, Emory
Morris, Susie Kieran and John Wilkinson travelled to Nairobi,
Kenya to spend nine days with our partner congregation, the
Kihumo Parish. The group experienced tremendous hospitality
from the congregation, and especially its elders, who
accompanied us, transported us, welcomed us into their homes
and became dear friends to all of us. It worshipped with both
congregations of the parish twice (with John preaching at each
one), broke bread in member’s homes and learned much about
the life of the parish, including its growing school.
The group also visited a giraffe park, an elephant orphanage,
and Nairobi National Park, as well as denominational sites
(presbytery offices, Presbyterian hospital and university, General
Assembly headquarters).
This trip was the fourth taken by Third Church travelers, in a
partnership that began in 2007. The Kihumo Parish received
funds from the Third Church capital campaign for its manse and
school. We have also sponsored a very successful goat program
that provides both nutrition and income church members with
financial needs.
Third Church Annual Report
Page 25
Great Schools for All (GS4A) is a community coalition
whose central mission is to reduce the concentration of
poverty in the Rochester city schools. We believe that
equity in education is one of the great justice and civil
rights issues of our generation and that equal
opportunity requires that every child have equal access
to a great school.
Work Groups and May Event
In January, based on the responses collected during our
November 2014 education symposium, the GS4A
Steering Committee established 60-day work groups to
explore five key areas as possible responses to the crisis
of high poverty schools. Each group was asked to
produce a preliminary report and recommendations.
Each 60-day work group presented their findings during
our community-wide conference at Mt. Olivet Baptist
Church on May 5, 2015. A broad section of the Greater
Rochester community attended, building consensus
around action steps to move toward equity in
education.
November Town Hall Meetings
GS4A held three town hall style meetings in November
for community members to offer feedback on our latest
work, especially our draft legislative proposal.
Grants
In December, GS4A was awarded two generous grants
by the Greater Good Project and The Farash
Foundation.

The Greater Good Project is organized by First
Unitarian Church of Rochester. GS4A will receive
$16,000 from the project to help fund a part-time
program coordinator.

The Farash Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to
conduct a countywide parent survey in winter 2016
to better measure support for a network of magnet
and other collaborative schools open to students
from across the county.
Targeted Areas of Focus
 Legislation: The Legislative work group conducted
countless hours of research and created a draft
legislative proposal for achieving a mix of
socioeconomically diverse schools in Monroe
County, which calls for the establishment of a
network of voluntary, targeted-focus magnet
schools open to students from any school district.
We expect to shortly publicly release our proposal.
 Parent Focus Groups: A Parent Participation work
group hosted four focus groups for city and
suburban parents to gauge interest in cross-district
magnet schools.
 Summer Learning: We worked on an initiative
centered on adding capacity to local high quality,
comprehensive summer learning programs with
new, socioeconomically diverse classrooms. In this
regard, the Summer Learning work group reached
out to the YMCA, the Public Library, and the City
School District.
 Growth Opportunities: We began meetings with
leaders of community groups to identify where
collaborative partnerships can be mutually
beneficial. We also began a process to deepen our
leadership to more closely represent the diversity of
the greater Rochester community.
Members of the GS4A Steering Committee:
From Third Church and UPT: John Wilkinson and Lynette Sparks, co-conveners, Tom Gillett, Corni Labrum, Beth
Laidlaw, Sue Maddock, Don Pryor, Jenn Poggi, and John Thomas. From the Community: Marilyn DeLucia, Rev.
Michael Ford, Mark Hare, Rosemarie Horvath, Ahlia Kitwana, Diane Larter, Jeff Linn, Larry Marx, Clay Osborne,
Dorelis Osborne, and Jenna Tomasello.
Page 26
Third Church Annual Report
Outreach Program—Contributions & Expenditures
Third Church Annual Report
Page 27
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSE
Page 28
Third Church Annual Report
THIRD PRESBYTERAN CHURCH
ALL FUNDS BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 2015
Third Church Annual Report
Page 29
Third Presbyterian Church
2016 Budget
2015
Budget
Income:
Gross Pledges
-Shrinkage
Net Pledges-Current Year
Second Mile Cam paign
Pledges-Prior Year
Contributions w ith No Pledge
Plate Offering
Subtotal of above
Per Capita Contributions
Mem orial Contributions
Hunger Ministry
Christm as Baskets
Other Outreach Programs
Music Program Contributions
Church School Offering
In-Kind Contributions
Miscellaneous Income
Vanguard Dividend
Building Use Income
Day Care Rent Income
34 Meigs Contribution
Hunger Ministry - Grocery Run (Net Income)
Other Incom e Sources
Endow ment Incom e
Subtotal of above
Prior Year Carryover
Total Income
2015
Actual
908,000
18,160
2016
Budget
$
% CHANGE
864,000
21,600
-4.85%
18.94%
842,400
20,000
8,500
17,000
16,000
903,900
9,500
1,000
5,500
2,500
2,000
25
-5.33%
889,840
857,690
7,500
20,000
15,000
932,340
9,000
1,000
6,000
3,600
1,600
50
100
3,400
2,000
25
1,500
26,400
12,600
20,000
13,500
316,345
1,349,460
76,083
$ 1,425,543
8,704
30,233
16,162
912,789
9,368
1,025
5,592
2,465
2,199
25
6
4,008
2,098
134
5,485
26,400
12,600
24,021
466
316,345
1,325,026
76,083
$ 1,401,109
4,000
2,000
150
5,000
27,200
12,600
28,000
8,400
310,000
1,321,775
41,995
$ 1,363,770
$
$
$
Expense:
Personnel & Child Care
Finance
Building
Office
Per Capita
Children's Ministry
Youth Ministry
Adult Spiritual Formation
Worship, Music & Arts
Congregational Fellow ship
Evangelism & Mem bership
Board of Deacons
Session Fund
Outreach - Denomination
Outreach - All Other
More Light
In-Kind Expenses
Total Expense
881,182
12,000
190,100
46,379
35,667
2,850
7,980
3,410
38,610
1,515
4,500
1,525
1,000
80,000
112,370
3,055
3,400
$ 1,425,543
870,634
16,088
181,037
45,703
35,667
2,562
7,317
2,554
37,270
472
3,520
1,606
1,177
80,000
99,664
3,043
4,008
$ 1,392,322
868,000
14,500
185,000
40,000
36,535
2,500
12,000
2,500
35,000
1,000
3,500
1,500
1,000
67,000
100,000
2,500
4,000
$ 1,376,535
Income Minus Expense
$
$
$
13.33%
-15.00%
6.67%
-3.05%
5.56%
0.00%
-8.33%
-30.56%
25.00%
-50.00%
-100.00%
17.65%
0.00%
500.00%
233.33%
3.03%
0.00%
40.00%
-37.78%
-2.01%
-2.05%
-44.80%
-4.33%
-1.50%
20.83%
-2.68%
-13.75%
2.43%
-12.28%
50.38%
-26.69%
-9.35%
-33.99%
-22.22%
-1.64%
0.00%
-16.25%
-11.01%
-18.17%
17.65%
-3.44%
$
Page 30
-
8,787
(49,008) Dollar Change
(12,765)
Third Church Annual Report
East Avenue Grocery Run 2015
Conversation on Race
2016 Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival
4 Meigs Street
Rochester, NY 14607-2013
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